Resveratrol induces pro-apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum stress in human colon cancer cells

Resveratrol (3,4',5 tri-hydroxystilbene), a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound highly enriched in grapes and red wine, has been shown to induce anti-proliferation and apoptosis of human cancer cell lines. Resveratrol-induced dose-dependent apoptotic cell death in colon carcinoma cells, was measured by FACS analysis. Treatment of HT29 human colon carcinoma cells with resveratrol was found to induce a number of signature ER stress markers; phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2alpha (eIF-2alpha), ER stress-specific XBP1 splicing and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP). In addition, resveratrol induced up-regulation of glucose-regulated protein (GRP)-78, suggesting the induction of ER stress. Furthermore, the inhibition of caspase-4 activity by z-LEVD-fmk significantly reduced resveratrol-induced apoptosis. Taken together, the present study therefore provides strong evidence to support an important role of ER stress response in mediating the resveratrol-induced apoptosis.